Weight Training Device Swivel Bearings Guide Bars

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Solution Overview

Problem

Existing weight training devices pose a risk of injury due to errant movement and limit the range of motion, preventing Olympic lifts and requiring significant space for equipment setup.

Innovation Solution

A weight training device with a barbell connected to swivel bearing assemblies allowing horizontal, vertical, and rotational movement, coupled with brakes to ensure safety during Olympic lifts, utilizing horizontal and vertical guide bars and brake plates to control movement.

Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles

VSEngineering Contradiction Analysis

1Reliability

If free weights are used for weight training, then the user can perform basic exercises, but there is a substantial risk of injury due to errant movement

Engineering Contradiction:

ImprovesafetyVSAvoidinjury risk

Core Design Contradiction:

ReliabilityVSObject-affected harmful factors

Solution Approach 1:

The patent introduces guide bars and swivel bearing assemblies as intermediary elements between the barbell and the user. These intermediaries constrain the barbell's movement paths and prevent errant motion, thereby eliminating injury risk while preserving exercise effectiveness

Inventive Principle:

Principle #24Intermediary (Mediator)

Solution Approach 2:

The patent incorporates brakes that can stop the barbell's movement before it causes harm. This preemptive safety mechanism ensures that even if movement becomes uncontrolled, the system can intervene before injury occurs

Inventive Principle:

Principle #11Beforehand cushioning (Prior cushioning)

2Adaptability or versatility

If traditional weight racks and platforms are used for Olympic lifts, then Olympic lifts can be performed, but a lot of space is occupied

Engineering Contradiction:

ImproveOlympic lift capabilityVSAvoidequipment space

Core Design Contradiction:

Adaptability or versatilityVSArea of stationary object

Solution Approach 1:

The patent creates a multi-functional system where the guide bars and swivel assemblies serve multiple purposes: they enable Olympic lifts, provide safety constraints, and allow various exercise movements (horizontal, vertical, rotational) within a compact footprint, replacing multiple separate equipment pieces

Inventive Principle:

Principle #6Universality (Multi-functionality)

Solution Approach 2:

The patent enables three-dimensional movement (horizontal, vertical, and rotational) within a compact space by using swivel bearing assemblies that allow rotation and guide bars that constrain motion to safe paths, effectively utilizing spatial dimensions without increasing equipment footprint

Inventive Principle:

Principle #17Another dimension (Dimensionality change)

3Reliability

If fixed movement paths are used in weight training equipment, then safety is improved, but the range of motion is limited

Engineering Contradiction:

ImprovesafetyVSAvoidrange of motion

Core Design Contradiction:

ReliabilityVSAdaptability or versatility

Solution Approach 1:

The patent transitions from static fixed paths to dynamic constrained paths. The swivel bearing assemblies and guide bars provide real-time movement constraints that adapt to the exercise being performed, allowing safe horizontal, vertical, and rotational motion while preventing dangerous errant movement

Inventive Principle:

Principle #15Dynamics

Applied Scientific Principles

This section explains which scientific principles are used to turn an abstract innovation direction into a practical engineering solution.

Function Achieved in This Case

Enables safe and versatile weight training by allowing full range of motion for Olympic lifts and preventing injuries through controlled movement and immediate stopping of the barbell when brakes are released.

Implementation Method 1

swivel bearing assemblies configured to slide along horizontal guide bars

Methodology Applied

Scientific EffectFriction: Friction

Implementation Method 2

Each brake is mechanically coupled to the barbell and further mechanically coupled to two of the vertical guide assemblies. The barbell is configured to stop upon release of the at least two brakes

Methodology Applied

Scientific EffectFriction: Friction

Data Source

PatentUS9067102B2Weight training device

Publication Date: 2015.06.30 POPPINGA ELITE FITNESS LLC

AI summary

An improved weight training device is configured to allow horizontal, vertical and rotational movement while ensuring safety. The improved weight training device includes a barbell that is immediately adjacent to two swivel bearing assemblies. The barbell is configured to slide through the two swivel bearing assemblies. A horizontal guide bar is immediately adjacent to each swivel bearing assembly. Each swivel bearing assembly is configured to slide along its horizontal guide bar. At least four vertical guide assemblies are in the improved weight training device. A vertical guide assembly is mechanically coupled to each end of each horizontal guide bar. Each vertical guide assembly is configured to slide vertically along its vertical guide bar. There are at least two brakes. Each brake is mechanically coupled to the barbell and further mechanically coupled to two of the vertical guide assemblies.